What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relinquish
Example
He decided to relinquish his position as CEO. [relinquish: verb]
Example
The landlord agreed to relinquish the property to the tenants. [relinquishing: gerund or present participle]
cede
Example
The company decided to cede control to its new management team. [cede: verb]
Example
The treaty required the country to cede its northern territories to its neighbor. [ceding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relinquish is more commonly used than cede in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. However, cede is more commonly used in legal or political contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between relinquish and cede?
Cede is more formal than relinquish, and is often used in legal or political contexts. Relinquish is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
